18Forty Podcast Sarah Hurwitz: Reclaiming Judaism from Shame and Blame [Teshuva 3/5]
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Sep 9, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Sarah Hurwitz, a former White House speechwriter and author, explores what it means to be a proud Jew today. She addresses the importance of being well-educated in Judaism and how it helps combat shame and blame. Sarah shares insights on navigating Jewish identity in a complex political landscape and the value of Mussar literature for personal growth. The conversation emphasizes the need for deeper connections to Jewish traditions while supporting inclusivity in diverse practices, ultimately encouraging a reclamation of heritage.
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Know Your Judaism To Reclaim It
- Sarah Hurwitz argues that being a "knowing Jew" means learning Jewish tradition deeply rather than using Jewish identity as a credential.
- She urges Jews to reclaim agency over their tradition through study and personal engagement.
Chaplaincy Revealed Hidden Assumptions
- Sarah recounts training as a multi-faith chaplain and realizing Christian frameworks had shaped her ideas of spirituality.
- That experience exposed blind spots and motivated her to study Judaism more seriously.
Antisemitism Reappears In Both Extremes
- Hurwitz highlights that modern antisemitism on left and right shares the same ancient pattern: Jews cast as a conspiracy blocking a moral project.
- She warns both political extremes can morph into antisemitic narratives.
